Implant can control diabetes without injections

From msn.com/en-in

New Delhi: Most diabetes patients have to continuously monitor their blood sugar levels and inject insulin multiple times a day to prevent the blood sugar reaching high levels. Researchers from MIT are developing an implantable device with cells that produce insulin. The device encapsulates the cells and protects them from immune rejection, and also carries an oxygen generator to keep the cells healthy. The researchers hope that the device offers a novel long-term control approach for type 1 diabetes. In a new study, the researchers showed that these encapsulated pancreatic islet cells can survive in the body for at least 90 days. 

In tests conducted on mice, the cells in the implant devices remained functional and produced sufficient insulin to control the blood sugar levels of the animals. The conventional therapies that use islet cells require immune suppression, that can be debilitating for some patients. However, the islet cell therapy can be transformative. The researchers developed an approach that allows the patient to benefit from pancreatic islet cell therapy, without the need for immune suppression.  A paper describing the research appears in Device.

      The cells produced by the implant can survive in the body for months. (Image Credit: MIT/ the researchers).© Aditya Madanapalle

Why the oxygen generator is needed

Islet cell transplantation has been successfully used to treat diabetes. These cells are derived from human cadavers, or more recently grown from stem cells. To reduce the need for immunosuppressive drugs, encapsulating the cells is a viable approach. However, the coating can prevent the cells from receiving sufficient oxygen, which is why the researchers also packed in an oxygen generator that uses a membrane to split water vapour, found readily in the body into oxygen and hydrogen. The hydrogen diffuses away harmlessly, while the oxygen is stored in a chamber that feeds the islet cells. The researchers have fortified the device by making it waterproof and more resilient to cracking. The researchers are exploring the potential of the device to deliver other therapeutic proteins with medical applications, including antibodies, enzymes and clotting factors.

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Keep Your Blood Sugar Steady with These 4 Surprising Foods

From eatingwell.com

These everyday picks—yes, even potatoes—may help prevent energy crashes and keep your blood sugar on a more even keel 

KEY POINTS

• Fibre-rich foods like berries, Greek yogurt, potatoes and nuts can slow digestion and support steady blood sugar levels.
• Pairing carbs with protein, fat or fibre helps prevent blood sugar spikes after meals.

• Lifestyle habits like walking after meals, quality sleep, stress management and hydration aid blood sugar balance.

You know that mid-afternoon slump when you can't focus and feel like you need a nap? Chances are, your blood sugar has something to do with it. Keeping blood sugar levels steady throughout the day is one of the simplest things you can do to feel more energized, focused and satisfied after meals. "Steady blood sugars help preserve the blood vessels, protecting from heart and kidney disease over time," says Sheila Patterson, RD, CDCES. And on a day-to-day level, Caroline Thomason Bunn, RD, CDCES, adds that when blood sugar swings up and down, "you're more likely to feel tired, irritable and hungry quickly." Over time, those constant fluctuations can contribute to insulin resistance, inflammation and an increased risk of conditions like heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Here are four foods that may surprise you by actually helping support better blood sugar, plus the lifestyle habits these dietitians recommend for steadier blood sugar.

1. Berries

Berries (raspberries, blueberries and strawberries) might be the most underestimated food for blood sugar support. Patterson says clients are often surprised to hear that fruit, berries in particular, can be part of a blood sugar-friendly diet. "While there is a misconception that fruit should be heavily restricted or eliminated for better blood sugars, fruits provide numerous benefits," she explains.

                                                                              Credit:  Getty Images. EatingWell design

Berries contain some of the highest fibre content among fruits, which supports slower digestion and more gradual rises in blood glucose. But what really stands out is their polyphenol content, especially anthocyanins (the plant pigments that give berries their deep red, blue and purple hues). Research suggests anthocyanins may support insulin sensitivity, or how well your body responds to glucose in your blood, and improve other key markers of blood sugar control.

2. Full-Fat Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt checks multiple boxes for blood sugar support, and Patterson recommends it to clients regularly. "Greek yogurt works well for blood sugar because its protein and fat content slow digestion, leading to a more gradual rise in glucose," she says. Protein is one of the most important nutrients for blood sugar regulation precisely because it slows the release of sugar into the bloodstream.

There's also emerging evidence connecting fermented dairy to improved metabolic health. In 2024, the FDA announced a qualified health claim recognizing yogurt's association with reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. Research suggests fermented dairy, like yogurt, may support insulin sensitivity through gut microbiome changes and the production of short-chain fatty acids. Stick to plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt, since flavoured varieties can contain multiple teaspoons of added sugar per serving.

3. Potatoes

Potatoes have a bit of an unfair reputation in the blood sugar world. "Since potatoes are a starch, many people watching their blood sugar tend to restrict them. However, one medium potato delivers 4 grams of fibre if you eat the skin, along with blood pressure-supporting nutrients like potassium," says Thomason Bunn.

How you prepare your potato matters as much as the potato itself. Cooking and then chilling potatoes increases their resistant starch content, a type of starch that resists digestion in the small intestine and passes to the large intestine to feed beneficial gut bacteria. Research shows that chilled potatoes can elicit significantly lower glucose and insulin responses compared to hot, freshly cooked potatoes.

The practical takeaway: boil or bake potatoes, let them cool in the fridge and enjoy them cold (think potato salad) or reheated. Pairing them with protein and healthy fat helps blunt the glucose response even more.

4. Nuts

Nuts tend to get lumped in with "high-fat snacks to limit," but the research tells a different story, especially when it comes to blood sugar. Studies suggest nut consumption may play a meaningful role in both the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes, with several key nutrients identified as drivers of that benefit.

Nuts contain unsaturated fatty acids, plant-based protein, fibre and minerals, all of which work together to slow digestion and blunt post-meal glucose spikes. They also contain beneficial bioactive compounds, like polyphenols, as potential contributors to improved insulin sensitivity and reduced inflammation over time.

Most tree nuts offer similar benefits, with almonds, walnuts and pistachios among the most studied for glycaemic control. Try a small handful (about 1 ounce) as a snack, or stir them into oatmeal, yogurt or a salad for an easy blood sugar-steadying boost.

Other Tips for Better Blood Sugar Management

Diet is only one piece of the puzzle. Both Patterson and Thomason Bunn consistently recommend these evidence-backed lifestyle habits to their clients:

• Move more throughout the day, especially after meals. "Your total activity time in a day matters more for your metabolic health, including blood sugar levels, than whether or not you make it to the gym," says Thomason Bunn. Research shows that even a short walk (10 minutes) immediately after eating can meaningfully lower post-meal blood sugar.
• Prioritize quality sleep. "Getting adequate sleep is important for good blood sugars," says Patterson. "Poor sleep can increase insulin resistance or make it harder for the body to process glucose." Even modest, chronic sleep restriction can significantly increase insulin resistance. Most adults need 7 to 9 hours per night.
• Manage stress. Chronic stress triggers cortisol, which prompts the liver to release more glucose into the bloodstream. Simple practices like deep breathing, yoga or a daily walk can help keep both stress and blood sugar in check.
• Stay hydrated. When you're dehydrated, glucose becomes more concentrated in the blood, which can cause temporary spikes. Sip water consistently throughout the day and limit sugary drinks.
• Pair carbohydrates with protein, fat or fibre. Eating carbs alone leads to faster glucose absorption. Pairing them with protein, fat or fibre (think fruit with Greek yogurt or crackers with nut butter) slows digestion and blunts the blood sugar response.
• https://www.eatingwell.com/surprising-foods-for-better-blood-sugar-11941998

US obesity rate falls for the first time in years, but diabetes hits an all-time high, data says

From msn.com/en-us

Story by Scripps News Group 

The obesity rate in the U.S. dropped to 37% this year, representing a notable decrease after reaching a record high of 39.9% in 2022, according to data from Gallup.

The decline may be in part due to the explosion in the use of GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Zepbound.

The share of adults reporting use of these medications for weight control has more than doubled in the past 18 months — from 5.8% in early 2024 to 12.4% in Gallup’s latest survey.

                                                                                                          © M. Spencer Green / AP

Women use the treatments at higher rates (15.2%) than men (9.7%), and both groups saw usage more than double over the past year.

The question is, will the downward trend in obesity rates last? The answer will come down to whether people using pharmaceutical intervention also implement the lifestyle changes needed to sustain their weight loss.

Gallup’s data shows that Americans’ diet and exercise habits have actually worsened since 2019.

Data from Gallup also found that diagnoses of diabetes have climbed to an all-time high of 13.8%, underscoring that weight loss alone doesn’t necessarily reduce the number of Americans living with the chronic disease.

The U.S. obesity rate remains historically high compared with other Western nations, Gallup said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

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4 Myths About Blood Sugar Diabetes Experts Want You to Stop Believing

From eatingwell.com

By Kaitlin Ahern

Spoiler, you can still eat carbs 

KEY POINTS

• When you have diabetes, you can still eat fruit and have healthy blood sugar levels.
• You also don’t have to eat a low-carb diet, but the type of carbs and portion size matters.
• Drinking water, walking and managing stress are other ways to support healthy blood sugar.

Thanks to the internet and social media, it’s never been easier to access health and wellness content. That’s a good thing when it raises our awareness of things like the importance of healthy blood sugar, but sometimes it can be tough to separate fact from fiction.

Here, two certified diabetes educators help us bust the most common myths about managing blood sugar (whether or not you have insulin issues) and explain what to believe instead.

Myth #1: You Shouldn’t Eat Fruit

As a dietitian and diabetes educator, Kaitlin Hippley, M.Ed., RDN, LD, CDCES, says one myth she hears all the time is that fruit is “too high in sugar” and should be avoided when you’re trying to manage your blood sugar.

“In reality, whole fruit contains fibre, vitamins and antioxidants that help slow how quickly sugar is absorbed,” Hippley says.

In fact, one meta-analysis that looked at 19 randomized controlled trials (the gold standard in research) found that eating more fresh or dried fruit significantly lowered fasting blood sugar levels in participants with diabetes.

Rather than cutting out these nutrient-rich foods, Hippley recommends eating fruit in balanced portions and pairing it with protein or healthy fats to support steadier blood sugar. Think: an apple with peanut butter, a cup of berries with Greek yogurt, or a small handful of raisins and almonds.

Myth #2: You Have to Eat a Low-Carb Diet

Nope—not all carbs are “bad” when it comes to blood sugar, says Erin Palinski-Wade, RD, CDCES.

“You do not need to follow a low-carb or no-carb diet to manage blood sugar levels,” Palinski-Wade says. Rather, she says, you should pay attention to the type and amount of the carbs you’re eating.

Focus on healthy portion sizes of high‑fibre, minimally processed carbs like legumes, whole grains and fruit paired with protein, healthy fats and movement after meals to help blunt spikes and improve overall blood sugar patterns, she says. 

Getting plenty of fibre not only helps with blood sugar control, it’s also a boon for weight management, digestive health, and heart health. That’s why adults should aim to eat between 22 and 34 grams of the nutrient each day.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Fiber: The Carb That Helps You Manage Diabetes.

Hippley says to spread your carbs evenly throughout the day for healthier blood sugar and energy levels. For example, you could have oatmeal with nuts and berries for breakfast, followed by a big leafy green salad with chickpeas for lunch, and then a whole-wheat pasta dish for dinner.

Myth #3: Foods Labelled “Sugar-Free” Won’t Affect Your Blood Sugar

                                                                                              Credit: 

Getty Images. EatingWell design

Beware sneaky marketing claims on packaged foods. Just because a food is labelled “sugar-free” or “zero-sugar,” that doesn’t mean it won’t impact your blood sugar. 

“Those products can still contain carbohydrates that raise glucose levels,” Hippley says. 

She suggests looking at the total carbohydrates, fibre and protein on a food’s nutrition label to help you consider how it might fit into a balanced meal.

Myth #4: You Can’t Eat Dessert

You absolutely can eat dessert and still have healthy blood sugar.

“Managing blood sugar is about balance, not restriction,” Hippley says. “Dessert can fit into a blood sugar–friendly plan when you pay attention to portion size, frequency and overall balance, like pairing it with protein, fibre or healthy fats."

Try “ice cream” made with frozen bananas, for example, or make a mousse with Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.

Other Strategies for Healthy Blood Sugar

• Hydrate and Move: “Drinking water and taking a short walk afterward can also help keep blood sugar steady,” Hippley says. Staying well hydrated is key because more water dilutes the sugar in your blood. And research shows just a 10-minute walk right after eating can help keep blood sugar levels steady.
• Eat More Avocados: This fruit is packed with fibre and healthy fat, both of which can help keep blood sugar steady and may help reduce the risk for type 2 diabetes. “Try swapping out a source of saturated fat or refined carbohydrate with avocado,” Palinski-Wade suggests. Add sliced avocado instead of cheese to a sandwich, or spread mashed avocado on whole-grain toast instead of butter.
• Add Legumes to Your Plate: Research shows an eating plan that includes legumes like lentils, beans and chickpeas may improve overall metabolic health, including blood sugar markers. “Try adding a half-cup of beans into salad or soups or snacking on dry-roasted chickpeas to boost your intake of fibre and slow-digested carbohydrates to help balance blood sugar levels,” Palinski-Wade says.
• Stick to a Consistent Sleep Schedule: Both a lack of sleep (getting less than the recommended seven or more hours per night) and an inconsistent sleep schedule are linked to higher blood sugar levels and worse control of blood sugar after meals. So try to get enough shut-eye each night, and avoid late nights in favour of consistent bedtimes and wake-up times, even on the weekends, Palinski-Wade says.
• Manage Stress: “Chronic stress can raise blood sugar levels by affecting hormones such as cortisol,” Hippley says. Practicing stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, deep breathing or gentle movement like yoga can help combat these effects.
• https://www.eatingwell.com/blood-sugar-myths-to-stop-believing-11928787
  

6 Ways to Ease Type 2 Diabetes Burnout

From everydayhealth.com

Living with type 2 diabetes can be stressful and exhausting. There’s so much to keep up with to manage 

your blood sugar (glucose) and overall health. 

“People may feel overwhelmed by monitoring glucose, medication schedules, food decisions, and 

concerns about complications,” says Barbara Eichorst, RD, CDCES, vice president of health programs 

at the American Diabetes Association (ADA).

That feeling of being overwhelmed can become so severe that some people begin to neglect diabetes 

care — a phenomenon often referred to as diabetes burnout. 

What Type 2 Diabetes Burnout Can Look Like

Although everyone’s experiences with type 2 diabetes burnout may be unique, research says there are 

some common themes people report:

• Mental and physical exhaustion from the self-care needed to manage diabetes
• Feeling disconnected from themselves, from people in their life who support them, or from caring 
• about diabetes
• A range of other tough feelings, such as detachment, exhaustion, helplessness, and vulnerability
• Feeling stuck and unable to help themselves out of burnout

People with type 2 diabetes burnout may stop practicing healthy lifestyle habits or skip doctor’s 

appointments or medication doses, says Fady Hannah-Shmouni, MD, an endocrinologist in Vancouver, 

British Columbia, and medical director of Eli Health.

“Experiencing burnout is common and understandable. Type 2 diabetes management requires hundreds 

of daily decisions, and feeling overwhelmed doesn’t mean anyone has failed,” says Eichorst.

If you’re feeling burnt out, it’s important for your long-term health to get back on track with diabetes 

care — and caring for your mental well-being. This can help prevent complications and may help you 

better manage your energy levels.

“Start with small, achievable steps, rather than trying to change everything at once,” says Eichorst. 

Here are a few simple changes you can make to ease the emotional and physical burdens of living with 

diabetes and more effectively manage the condition:

1. Make Meal Planning Easier

When you’re feeling low, mustering the energy to make elaborate, healthy meals can feel difficult. 

Explore ways to make food preparation easier. For example, some people prefer to cook in batches and 

freeze meals for later. Others may ask a friend or family member to pitch in with making 

meals that are diabetes friendly. Shortcuts, such as selecting prewashed, pre-cut, frozen, or canned 

vegetables can remove some of the work from meal prep, too.

The ADA offers the Diabetes Plate template to take some of the guesswork out of balancing meals. With 

this framework, half your plate should be non-starchy vegetables, a quarter should be lean protein, and 

another quarter should be complex carbohydrates.

2. Automate What You Can

If you’re having trouble keeping up with medication doses or glucose checks, consider setting timers or 

phone reminders, Eichorst suggests. That way, you can free yourself of some of the mental load of 

remembering.

For personalized strategies that can fit into your daily life, Eichorst recommends diabetes self-

management education and support (DSMES). Ask your doctor if there’s a local DSMES program, or 

search for one on the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists website.

3. Talk to Your Doctor About Adjusting Your Treatment Plan

Diabetes treatment is important, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be all or nothing. “If the root of the 

burnout is the mental load of dealing with the condition, scaling back treatment plans might be necessary 

to getting back on track,” says Dr. Hannah-Shmouni. “Consult with a healthcare professional to identify 

achievable short-term goals.”

This could mean adjusting medications or maybe finding easier methods, such as wearing a 

continuous glucose monitor instead of using a glucose meter and sticking your finger throughout the day. 

The same idea can apply to lifestyle management. For example, if your hour-long exercise routine feels 

like too much right now, try splitting it into 30-minute sessions.

“Diabetes care is a journey, not a test of perfection,” says Eichorst. “Even small steps — like one healthy 

meal, one walk, or one glucose check — are meaningful progress.”

4. Find Ways to Handle Fatigue

Hannah-Shmouni explains that fatigue can be a result of burnout, but people with type 2 diabetes are also 

more prone to fatigue in general, so it can become a tough cycle where one feeds the other. This can 

make it extra difficult to practice the self-care needed to manage the condition.

Talk to your doctor about the fatigue you’re having. There may be things you can do to increase your 

energy, depending on what’s causing the fatigue. “If you’re experiencing fatigue, blood sugar management, 

sleep apnoea treatment, and other types of care might be able to alleviate some of the exhaustion, 

making the daily steps of dealing with diabetes feel more achievable,” says Hannah-Shmouni.

5. Seek Support When You Need It

Your primary care physician can help you identify the factors that have led to burnout and help you 

decide if you need additional support. That could include a personal trainer or physical therapist to help 

you create a movement plan, a dietitian to offer healthy eating strategies, or a sleep specialist to offer 

strategies for dealing with conditions that are affecting your sleep.

Your doctor may refer you to a mental health professional, who can help you through the challenges of 

living with type 2 diabetes. Or consider searching the ADA’s directory of mental health professionals to 

find someone who specializes in supporting people with diabetes.

Remember that diabetes burnout isn’t the same as depression, but people can experience both at the 

same time. If you find that you’ve lost interest or pleasure in your usual activities, had a change in 

appetite or sleep, or had thoughts of self-harm, talk to a doctor or mental health professional right away.

It’s also a good idea to join a support group of people living with type 2 diabetes. Talking with others 

who have similar experiences can help you feel less alone and learn strategies for coping with burnout.

6. Manage Stress

Explore stress management techniques to see what helps you feel less overwhelmed or anxious. You 

may even find some of the techniques fun. Consider:

• Practicing meditation, mindfulness, or deep breathing exercises
• Doing gentle movement, such as tai chi, walking, or yoga
• Keeping a gratitude journal
• Practicing a calming bedtime routine consisting of reading, a warm bath, or something else that 
• relaxes you
• Engaging regularly in a hobby that brings you joy 

You Can Overcome Type 2 Diabetes Burnout

While it can take time and effort to emerge from type 2 diabetes burnout, small steps can put you on the 

path to feeling better and regaining control of your self-care.

“With the right support, education, and small adjustments, you can regain confidence and reengage with 

your care,” says Eichorst.

The Takeaway

• For people with type 2 diabetes, burnout can occur due to stress and exhaustion from juggling 
• aspects of managing the disease.
• People with diabetes burnout can neglect their care, which puts them at higher risk of diabetes 
• complications.
• Easing burnout is possible and can be done by taking small steps toward better self-care and disease 
• management.
• Find ways to make diabetes management and self-care easier. Lean on support, which can include 
• your primary care doctor, specialists, mental health provider, support group, family, and friends.

https://www.everydayhealth.com/diabetes/ways-to-ease-type-2-diabetes-burnout/